Ativan, the most common brand name of lorazepam, is a sedative that has been used as a muscle relaxer and to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, nausea, and related conditions since 1977. It works by calming the central nervous system. This substance is part of the benzodiazepine class, which also includes medications like diazepam (Valium) and Xanax. Even on its own, Ativan has the potential to be misused, leading to physical dependence and addiction. Side effects of Ativan can include drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, making it important to use under professional supervision. In severe cases, misuse can lead to an Ativan overdose, which can be life-threatening. For this reason, Ativan is classified as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a “moderate” potential for abuse, similar to other benzodiazepines like diazepam and Xanax.

Alcohol is an intoxicant found in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. Due to its legality in most parts of the world, alcohol consumption is widespread, making it one of the most commonly used drugs. People often drink alcohol to relieve stress or reduce anxiety, similar to the way some use Ativan. Both substances affect the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, which helps regulate anxiety and stress. Alcohol increases the activity of GABA receptors, leading to the calming effects many seek. However, the effects of alcohol, including increased dependence and the potential to worsen anxiety symptoms over time, make it an unreliable and harmful method for managing such conditions. Excessive drinking also carries serious risks, including alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. When combined with other substances like Ativan, which also acts on the GABA system, these risks are amplified, further complicating the potential for dangerous interactions.

Ativan and Alcohol: Understanding the Dangers of Mixing Sedatives and Alcohol - Live Free Recovery Services

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The mixing of any drugs should only be done with caution, and combining Ativan with alcohol is no different. In fact, this can be an especially dangerous mixture. One of the main reasons is that both substances act on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in amplified effects. This polysubstance use creates a synergistic interaction, where the cumulative impact is greater than simply adding the effects of the two drugs together. In other words, 2+2=5 is likely here.

Simply put, those who have been prescribed prescription drugs like Ativan should avoid consuming alcohol. Mixing prescription medication with alcohol can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder or other dangerous outcomes, such as respiratory depression. If avoiding alcohol is unlikely, that should be communicated to a healthcare provider to prevent situations of substance abuse or dangerous interactions, especially for those with a history of drug abuse or opioid dependence.

Table of Contents

Why Mixing Ativan and Alcohol Is Dangerous
Other Short- and Long-Term Effects of Combining Ativan and Alcohol
Signs of an Ativan and Alcohol Overdose
Signs of Addiction to Ativan and to Alcohol
Treatment Options for an Ativan and Alcohol Addiction
How to Seek Help
- FAQs

Why Mixing Ativan and Alcohol Is Dangerous

The primary risk of mixing Ativan with alcohol is that both are central nervous system depressants, meaning they significantly amplify each other’s sedative effects. While taking either substance alone may result in slowed heart rate, decreased breathing, and calming of the CNS, combining them can lead to dangerous consequences such as severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, or even life-threatening situations like falling into a coma or death due to breathing completely stopping.

Additionally, Ativan is sometimes prescribed to individuals with epilepsy or those going through alcohol withdrawal, but if a relapse occurs and alcohol is consumed, the risk of serious side effects increases dramatically. The combined use of these substances raises the risk of overdose, especially since the half-life of Ativan can prolong its presence in the body, increasing the chances of dangerous interactions with alcohol.

This combination also impairs judgment, lowers inhibitions, and can lead to significant impairment, making the situation even more dangerous. To avoid these risks, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers and seek professional help when managing either substance.

Other Short- and Long-Term Effects of Combining Ativan and Alcohol

One of the most significant risks of combining Ativan and alcohol, especially for those who were already suffering from depression prior to doing so, is an increased risk of suicide.

Also, both adversely affect the user’s memory. You likely know about blackouts that are caused by alcohol use. Taking Ativan may result in memory issues as well, so the combined use could compound those.

In addition, the disinhibitory nature of alcohol is something that it has in common with Ativan, so taking both can result in especially dangerous decisions being made.

Both drugs sometimes also cause problems with physical movements, which may create dangerous situations related to walking and similar activities. In fact, experiencing difficulty swallowing may happen.

A few other possible effects of combining Ativan and alcohol include low blood pressure, heart arrhythmia and decreased muscle tone. Also, liver damage, heart disease and low oxygen (hypoxia) can result if regular use of both of these substances has been taking place for some time.

It should also be noted that those who are dependent on alcohol are more likely to abuse Ativan as compared to individuals who never or seldomly consume alcohol.

Signs of an Ativan and Alcohol Overdose

The signs of an Ativan and alcohol overdose are similar to the signs of an overdose of either of those substances on its own. Included are slurred speech, vomiting, a slower-than-normal heart rate, impaired mental status and a loss of consciousness.

In these types of situations, it is important to ensure that the person’s airway is maintained and that breathing support is applied if necessary. Other vital signs should also be monitored. In some cases, stomach pumping may be done by medically trained personnel while norepinephrine, flumazenil or nourishing fluids could be administered.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from an overdose, call 911.

Signs of Addiction to Ativan and to Alcohol

Those who have taken Ativan for longer or in greater dosages than prescribed may develop an addiction to it. More so, because it is so potent, it is even possible to become addicted to Ativan after following the prescription to the letter.

Regardless of how it got to this point, if someone has developed a tolerance to Ativan and needs to continue taking it in order to function normally, they are dependent on it. This is one of the reasons why it is usually prescribed for short-term use only.

One of the clearest signs of an Ativan addiction is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, nausea and cravings for it, after the user has ceased taking it. Also, if use continues despite it having resulted in issues with work, family, friends or other important areas of life, that is another indication.

Signs of alcohol addiction are similar although the social nature of this drug also results in indicators such as frequently finding public settings and reasons to use it.

Treatment Options for an Ativan and Alcohol Addiction

Those who are addicted to Ativan and alcohol should seek addiction treatment with professional oversight to ensure a safe and effective recovery. Stopping alcohol use suddenly can lead to dangerous alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which may include severe symptoms like delirium tremens. Similarly, individuals addicted to benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, are at risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, even if they’ve been taking steady dosages due to tolerance.

For both types of addiction, a gradual dose-reduction regimen is typically recommended, particularly for those with significant use. At Live Free Recovery, we offer a range of treatment programs, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome the combined effects of Ativan and alcohol addiction. Our approach ensures that mental health concerns are addressed alongside the physical aspects of addiction, taking into account both drugs’ cumulative impact on the body and mind.

Our treatment center provides comprehensive care through partial hospitalization or full inpatient treatment, depending on the individual’s needs. With the support of a dedicated healthcare provider, patients receive the medical attention necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and safely navigate their recovery journey.

How to Seek Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with addictions to both Ativan and alcohol, or even just one of these substances, consider reaching out to Live Free Recovery for assistance. We offer comprehensive medical detox services to help manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Our team will be glad to discuss our detoxification and treatment options, as well as how we can support you in regaining control of your life.

Once you commence your recovery journey with us, you will become part of our Live Free Recovery family, and we will do our best to help you achieve long-term results that continue long past your stay with us.

To learn more about Live Free Recovery, give us a call today. We have two locations in New Hampshire, in Manchester and Keene, and we welcome people from throughout New England and beyond.

FAQs

What Is Ativan?
Ativan, the most common brand name of lorazepam, is a sedative that has been used as a muscle relaxer and to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, nausea, and related conditions since 1977. It works by calming the central nervous system. This substance is part of the benzodiazepine class, which also includes medications like diazepam (Valium) and Xanax.

Even on its own, Ativan has the potential to be misused, leading to physical dependence and addiction. Side effects of Ativan can include drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, making it important to use under professional supervision. In severe cases, misuse can lead to an Ativan overdose, which can be life-threatening. For this reason, Ativan is classified as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a “moderate” potential for abuse, similar to other benzodiazepines like diazepam and Xanax.
What Is Alcohol?
Alcohol is an intoxicant found in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. Due to its legality in most parts of the world, alcohol consumption is widespread, making it one of the most commonly used drugs. People often drink alcohol to relieve stress or reduce anxiety, similar to the way some use Ativan. Both substances affect the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, which helps regulate anxiety and stress. Alcohol increases the activity of GABA receptors, leading to the calming effects many seek. However, the effects of alcohol, including increased dependence and the potential to worsen anxiety symptoms over time, make it an unreliable and harmful method for managing such conditions.

Excessive drinking also carries serious risks, including alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. When combined with other substances like Ativan, which also acts on the GABA system, these risks are amplified, further complicating the potential for dangerous interactions.